Rocky Top peak awaits All-Star Smallbone

June 24, 2007|SCOTT DAVIDSON Tribune Staff Writer

INDIANAPOLIS -- Sydney Smallbone knows she'll have to take her game to another level at Tennessee. She also knows her experience as an Indiana All-Star the last couple of weeks is going to help that process. "This has been really good preparation for college,'' Smallbone said earlier this week prior to the All-Stars' second game versus Kentucky Saturday night. "It's preparing me a lot in terms of adjusting to the college rules and how the defensive level will be so much higher in college.'' Smallbone, a former St. Joseph's star, has also prospered from being on a roster full of standouts. "Being surrounded by great players, you have to rise to the level,'' said Smallbone, who was runner-up for Miss Basketball. "You have to expand your game.'' Smallbone, St. Joe's all-time leading scorer, has expanded her game by excelling at both guard positions. After playing the two guard her first three prep seasons, she was the point guard for the Indians her senior year and played the point for the All-Stars. "I like playing both positions,'' Smallbone said. "I like the point because you're in control of the game.'' Kristen Dockery, another All-Star from St. Joe, also found the experience beneficial. The 6-foot-4 center, who spent the last couple of weeks going against the likes of 6-6 Miss Basketball Ta'Shia Phillips, will play at Minnesota. "It's definitely been a good thing for me,'' said Dockery. "It helps so much to play against the best players in the state. It's the size and speed I'll see in the Big Ten.'' Berger in spotlightBusy day for DesimoneXavier hits jackpot